3 things every expat should know about giving birth in the Netherlands

Navigating pregnancy and childbirth in a new country can feel overwhelming, especially when the systems and cultural practices differ from what you're used to.

As the founder of The Labour Dept., a community and education start up for pregnancy and early parenthood, I’ve worked with hundreds of pregnant couples in the Netherlands. I’ve seen first-hand how expat families experience the Dutch approach to birth - and all the surprises (and reliefs) that come with it. The good news? The Dutch maternity care system is one of the most supportive and well-organised in the world.

Here are three key things every expat should know about giving birth in the Netherlands:

1. Midwives are your main care providers (and home births are more common than you think)

One of the biggest differences expats notice is that midwives, not obstetricians, are the primary care providers for most pregnancies in the Netherlands. Dutch midwives manage nearly all low-risk pregnancies and deliveries, providing highly personalised and expert care throughout your journey.

If you’re having a low-risk pregnancy, your midwife will guide you through prenatal check-ups, labour and even postpartum recovery. In some cases, your midwife might offer Centering Pregnancy - this means your check-ups will be done in a group with other pregnant people followed by an opportunity to learn about a specific topic.  

Of course you will still need to learn about birth! There are courses that will help you understand the Dutch birth system and prepare for whichever birth setting feels best for you, ensuring you feel empowered to make informed choices.

2. Kraamzorg: Postpartum support that’s truly unique

One of the standout features of the Dutch maternity system is kraamzorg - a unique form of in-home care following the birth of your baby. This service provides you with professional help for up to eight days after childbirth. A kraamzorg nurse comes to your home to help with everything from baby care to breastfeeding support, and even light household chores.

For many expat parents, kraamzorg is a lifeline in those first few days after birth. It’s not only practical but also emotional support as you adjust to life with your newborn. Your kraamzorg nurse will check on your health, ensure your recovery is progressing well, and assist you in getting into a comfortable routine with your baby.

Unlike many other countries, kraamzorg is typically covered by your health insurance, making it accessible to nearly every new parent. This invaluable service helps bridge the gap between leaving the hospital and adjusting to life at home, providing reassurance that you’re not navigating parenthood alone.

Taking advantage of kraamzorg is something I highly recommend, as it’s one of the benefits that makes the Dutch experience stand out.

3. Building a supportive community is essential

Feeling isolated during pregnancy and early parenthood is something many expats face, especially without the usual network of family and friends nearby. Building a local community is key to overcoming these feelings and making the transition to parenthood feel more manageable.

Joining prenatal classes, local meet-ups and online groups can help you form lasting connections with others who are going through similar experiences. These connections provide emotional support, practical advice and a chance to bond with others in the same phase of life.

Community isn’t just about having a shoulder to lean on - it’s also a great way to exchange tips, learn about services and find people who understand what you're going through. This is especially important as an expat, where navigating cultural differences and new systems can feel daunting.

Your birth, your community

Giving birth in the Netherlands offers a supportive, well-organised experience for expat parents. With midwives leading the way in prenatal care and birth, the invaluable kraamzorg, and the vibrant expat parenting community, the Dutch system offers everything you need to feel empowered and supported.

You may feel a bit out of place at first, but the more you engage with the system and the community around you, the more you'll realise how much support is available to you.

By building your community and embracing the support that the Dutch system offers, you’ll not only feel more prepared for birth but also more confident in your journey through the early stages of parenting.